Business Courses

Manual accounting systems are quickly disappearing, and in their place are computers and the complexity of automated databases. This course introduces the framework for establishing and controlling financial information systems through the use of journals, ledgers, trial balances, and financial statements. Using flowcharting techniques, students will appreciate how transactions affect an organization, and recognize when management or ethical issues surface. All major business processes are considered including sales, purchases, asset management, inventory, and payroll. In addition, the growth of so-called, “Big Data,” and data analytics is explained and their concepts developed.
Prerequisites: ACC 102

BUA 211 Introduction to Health Care Systems - 3 credits

An in-depth overview and analysis of American Health Care and medical delivery systems. Cultural, political, economic and environmental factors that affect health care delivery will be explored from historic and contemporary perspectives. Specific forces influencing health care delivery including reimbursement, labor shortages, the impact of health maintenance organizations, aging population and access to health care will be discussed. Emphasis is placed on the way health care is reimbursed in the U.S. and the history of for-profit, not-for-profit and entitlement programs. A look at structure, access, organization and functions will provide the student with an introduction to the complexity and unique elements of health care systems.

BUA 216 Personal Finance - 3 credits

Designed to acquaint the student with the concepts of portfolio analysis in the general area of investment management. The course discusses principles for managing financial assets. Many of these principles apply to both personal and institutional investment strategies. In addition to an introduction to the major investment vehicles available in developed nations, students will learn how to establish appropriate investment objectives, develop optimal portfolio strategies, estimate risk-return tradeoffs, and evaluate investment performance.

BUA 219 Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics - 3 credits

Designed to meet the needs of the student pursuing a career in business, economics, or the social sciences, the course includes the mathematical logic and tools that assist problem-solving and decision-making processes. Topics based on algebraic and statistical concepts include linear and non-linear graphic analysis, regression mathematics and interpretation, short-term forecasting formulas, optimization models, decision gtree probability, payoff tables, markov chains, and simulation. Basic and advanced Microsoft Excel skills (2007/2010), the most recognized set required in employment positions, will be taught to build, execute and interpret these problem-solving models.
Prerequisites: ACC 102, ECO 101 or ECO 102, (MAT 110 or permission)

BUA 220 Human Resource Management - 3 credits

Human Resources Management provides an introduction to human resource management in public and private organizations, including job classification and pay; recruitment, selection and development of employees; performance evaluation; and labor management relations. By the end of the course, the student will gain an understanding of Human Resource Management as an essential aspect of the overall management of any organization and will be able to describe and discuss the role of the human resource manager in helping to meet organizational objectives.

BUA 221 Business Law - 3 credits

Business relationships are largely based upon contractual agreements. This course provides an introduction to the legal system as it effects business, the nature and meaning of law, sources of law, legal process and institutions. Students examine the legal environment of business, along with the individual’s rights and responsibilities in a free society. Particular emphasis is placed on contracts, at common law and under the Uniform Commercial Code, and the exploration of how these principles apply to modern life both in and out of the business setting.

BUA 239 Employment Law 3 - credits

Managing within the law requires students to understand the interrelationships between the various federal and state laws and regulations affecting employment relationships and management’s human resource policies and practices. This course provides students with the foundations necessary to foster a healthy, productive and lawful work environment. Experiential exercises reinforce an understanding of the application of law to employment situations and advocacy issues in employment discrimination cases.

BUA 240 International Business - 3 credits

A course in business that examines the global business structure with a focus on cultural differences, the theories of international trade and investment, the functions of foreign exchange and monetary systems, and the process of strategic and operational decisions. Students are asked to broaden their perspective on obtaining news and information to assess international issues intelligently.
Prerequisites: ECO 101, MRK 230.

BUA 250 Principles of Finance - 3 credits (cross listed as ACC 250)

An examination of the modern theories that explain financial decision-making. This course considers decisions made by managers to obtain, manage, and invest funds for the operation of the organization. Topics include the time value of money, financial markets and institutions, financial instruments, financial planning, ratio analysis, working capital management and capital budgeting.
Prerequisites: BUA 219, ECO 101 and ECO 102, MAT 110.

BUA 258 Health Care Management - 3 credits

An in-depth look at health care delivery systems with emphasis on administrative functions, terminology, accreditation, human resources management, medical staff relationships and the many legal aspects of health care management. Special emphasis is given to the topics of the uninsured population, access to care, world health, financing health care in other countries, quality improvement, marketing and corporate compliance.

BUA 281 Business Ethics (cross-listed as ACC 281) - 4 credits

An examination of how ethical and moral considerations interact with the role of business and its search for legitimacy within our society. Business must identify various organization stakeholders, recognize the conflicting demands that emanate from each, and develop management behaviors, policies and practices that are acceptable to as many as possible. Students engage in understanding the societal, organizational, and institutional pressures on businesses and their employees when making decisions. Changing ethical and moral standards as businesses transcend political and cultural boundaries in the global marketplace merit attention. Real-life and hypothetical case study situations are used to enhance the classroom experience.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing.

BUA 282 Business Ethics (cross-listed as ACC 282) - 3 credits

An examination of how ethical and moral considerations interact with the role of business and its search for legitimacy within our society. Business must identify various organization stakeholders, recognize the conflicting demands that emanate from each, and develop management behaviors, policies and practices that are acceptable to as many as possible. Students engage in understanding the societal, organizational, and institutional pressures on businesses and their employees when making decisions. Changing ethical and moral standards as businesses transcend political and cultural boundaries in the global marketplace merit attention. Real-life and hypothetical case study situations are used to enhance the classroom experience. This course fulfills the SAGE Ethics Requirement (SER) designation.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing.

BUA 300 Writing for Management - 3 credits

A focus on the close connection between all levels of management communication and the written document. Special emphasis is placed on the creation and development of all forms of written management communications, including email, memos, reports and proposals, and close attention is paid to the amenities of good English syntax as it impacts effective communication. Includes oral and written presentations of management information.
Prerequisite: WRI 100 or HON 122, Sophomore standing.

BUA 320 Attracting, Selecting and Retaining Talent - 3 credits

Staffing Organizations – Attracting, Selecting, Retaining provides a follow-up and more detailed discussions and case studies to human resource management in public and private organizations as it pertains to the process of obtaining employees, training them, and ultimately keeping (retaining) them.

Staffing Organizationsis based on a comprehensive staffing model. Components of the model include staffing models and strategy, staffing support systems (legal compliance, planning, job analysis and rewards), core staffing systems (recruitment, selection, employment), and staffing system and retention management. Up-to-date research and business practices are the hallmarks of this market leading program. In-depth applications (cases and exercises) at the end of chapters provide students with skill-building and practice in key staffing activities and decision-making. A comprehensive running case involving a fictitious retailing organization provides even greater opportunity for in-depth analysis and skill building. Students also have the opportunity to address ethical issues at the end of each chapter.

BUA 325 Compensation Management - 3 credits

Compensation Management provides an introduction to this critical area of human resource management: Compensation represents both the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards employees receive for performing their jobs. Together, both intrinsic and extrinsic compensation describes a company’s total compensation level. Intrinsic compensation reflects employee’s psychological mind sets that result from performing their job. Extrinsic compensation included both monetary and non-monetary rewards. By the end of the course, the student will gain an understanding of HR Compensation Management as an essential aspect of the overall management of any organization and will be able to describe and discuss the role of the human resource manager in helping to meet organizational objectives.

BUA 328 Power, Influence, and Negotiation - 3 credits

An examination of how influence, power and organizational politics are related to effective negotiation and development of leadership style. Experiential exercises facilitate learned application of strategy. This course is intended for those who want to challenge themselves to explore their potential to stimulate innovation and creativity in others.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing.

BUA 335 Retail Management - 3 credits

Students will examine the retail business process and understand the components of developing and maintaining a retail operation. The course includes the fundamentals needed to analyze the daily business practices of a retail establishment and apply solutions based on sound management theory and practical experience.
Prerequisite: MRK 230.

BUA 341 Health Care Practice Management- 3 credits

This course introduces management competencies and highly recommended capabilities for individuals in small, medium, or large practices. A summary of the following concepts will be introduced, explored, and developed for individual student benefit: professionalism, management, communication, organization, analytical skills, and technical knowledge. Practice management principles and concepts from the professional literature and information related to specific competencies will serve as resources for operations issues in practice management, human resources, practice governance, financial management, and information management.

BUA 345 Operations and Supply Chain Management - 3 credits

A survey course of the analysis, decisions, and actions necessary to operate efficient and effective organizations. Considered are topics in forecasting, capacity planning, scheduling, dispatching, projects, process design, facility design, and quality control. Students are asked to integrate the functions of marketing, finance, and organizational behavior to understand how products or services move from conception to delivery.
Prerequisites: BUA 250, (BUA 329 or BUA 350 or PSY 301), MRK 230.

BUA 350 Leadership - 3 credits

Encouraging and achieving change in organizations and communities is the focus of this course. On a foundation of theoretical and applied concepts in leadership, students will undertake projects that develop the ability to create authentic visions and sustainable, cooperative responses to issues and opportunities. Simultaneously, students are asked to confront the challenge of moral leadership through an assessment of examples where individuals must make choices with significant ethical implications.
Prerequisites: ACC 101, ECO 101, PSY 100.

BUA 351 Industry Analysis & Strategy - 3 credits

This course is the first of two required courses that consider the development and the execution of business strategy. Starting from the premise that business strategy is a holistic process that combines all business functions, as well as the internal and external environment of an organization, students will learn the process of strategy, its underlying theory, and the key decisions that must be made to integrate an organization’s capabilities and gain competitive advantage. Students will use representative case studies to analyze, discuss, and recommend strategic behavior. The course prepares students for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which requires the development and defense of a comprehensive business plan.
Prerequisites: BUA 345, BUA 300.

BUA 352 Innovation and Entrepreneurship - 3 credits

This capstone course for business and accounting majors integrates the collective knowledge students have acquired from the various functional areas of business to include accounting, finance, management, marketing, human resources, business ethics, and law. Specific emphasis is on entrepreneurship and teamwork. Students are organized into management teams for the purpose of analyzing a business from a strategic perspective and developing a business plan to achieve competitive advantage and growth. Each team will be assigned a real company and a Board of Directors consisting of a Cedar Crest Professor, one or two outside business professionals and a member of the client business’s management team (when appropriate). Each team will meet with their Board three times during the semester. The Board will act as advisors and mentors to the teams, and participate in their evaluation.

Business topics of strategic management and current business events will also be discussed throughout the semester. The students will gain a practical experience in business that encompasses a wide variety of business issues while learning directly from the region’s best business people. The client companies get new and fresh insights into their organization from some of the brightest young minds in the area, under supervision of the some of the region’s most respected professionals.
Prerequisite: BUA 351.

BUA 160, 260, or 360 Special Topics - 1-3 credits

This course is an exploration of specialized topics not among the traditional course offerings. This course may be repeated for credit as topics change.